Dry, gritty, or burning eyes in the past were a sign of age or a medical condition. Now we see that people of all age groups are reporting dry eyes, issues which have grown with the increase in digital device use.
Modern lifestyles have introduced several factors that can disturb the natural tear film that keeps the eyes comfortable. Longer screen exposure, air-conditioned environments, contact lens use, certain medicines and underlying health conditions can all contribute. Digital device use, in particular, is associated with changes in blinking and increased dry-eye symptoms.
The good news is that trigger issues can be reduced. Also it is important to determine what is causing the issue at root level as in some cases of dry eye syndrome professional evaluation may be required rather than going in for a routine self treatment with eye drops.
What Are Dry Eyes?
Dry eye is a result of the eye not producing enough tears in which case the tears that are present are insufficient for eye lubrication. Also the issue may not be just a simple tear deficiency. We also see cases of tears that evaporate too fast or which have an improper balance of components.
A good tear film is what protects and lubricates the eye’s surface. If it becomes unstable a person may see burning, stinging, a scratchy feeling, redness, blurred vision or that something is in the eye. Also it is surprising that very watery eyes may happen at the same time as irritation which in turn triggers reflex tearing.
Occasional dryness may go away after a period of rest or a change in environment. In case that symptoms are persistent, they may indicate dry eye syndrome and so shouldn’t be ignored.
Why Are Dry Eyes Becoming More Common?
There isn’t a single cause for each case. Dry eye is a complex condition which also includes a number of recognized risk factors that have been put forth by modern lifestyle choices.
Increased Screen Time and Reduced Blinking
Screens are a part of almost all aspects of daily life. We see people go from laptops at work to smartphones during breaks and televisions or tablets at home.
When at a computer screen for long periods of time people may reduce the number of times they blink or do so inadequately. Blowing off the tear film is a function of the blink. Thus changes in the normal blink response may increase tear evaporation which in turn causes dryness, irritation and visual discomfort. Research has reported a connection between use of digital screens and dry-eye disease.
This may not be that your eyes are forever damaged by the screens you use. What it does mean is that extended, unbroken screen time may bring out or worsen dry eyes, issues in a person that is also genetically prone to them.
Air Conditioning and Dry Indoor Environments
In air conditioned offices, cars and bedrooms we put our eyes at risk of dry, moving air. Fans which target the face also do the same.
These environments promote quick evaporation of tears. Also reports that people with dry eye syndrome may note as a result that their discomfort increases upon long term indoor exposure.
Contact Lens Use
Contact lenses which come into direct touch with the tear film and eye surface. Prolonged wear of these is a cause of dryness and discomfort for some users. The American Academy of Ophthalmology also reports that long term contact lens wear is a cause of dry eye.
People who put in contact lenses and find they are irritated should not just wear them for longer or put in different lubricating drops as a matter of routine. You should see an Eye doctor to determine if the issue is with the lenses, your wear schedule or some other eye surface issue.
Age and Hormonal Changes
Dry eye syndrome becomes more common as we age. Also play a role in tear production which may see a large change at menopause; post menopausal women have a tendency to develop the issue more.
Ageing also affects the glands which produce the oil in tears we see. As this oil layer diminishes, tears may dry up faster.
Medicines and Health Conditions
Certain medications for allergies, colds, depression, and high blood pressure may play a part in causing dry eye. The condition is also associated with diabetes, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren syndrome and lupus.
Never discontinue a prescribed medication if you think it is causing dryness. Instead report the symptoms to your prescriber and an Eye specialist.
Common Signs of Dry Eye Syndrome
The expression of dry eye syndrome is different in each person. You may notice burning, stinging, itching, redness, a gritty feeling, sensitivity to light, eye fatigue or temporary blurred vision. Also some people report watery eyes.
Symptoms that are persistent, which interfere with reading or driving, cause discomfort with contact lenses or which affect your daily work should be evaluated.
At an Eye hospital a full exam may determine that what you are experiencing is in fact dry eye or some other condition which is presenting the same signs.
How Can You Help Prevent Dry Eyes?
Prevention of all cases is a challenge especially with medical conditions and age related changes in play. But we can do that which is to change out of home control factors.
Start by incorporating regular breaks for your eyes into your routine which is in the middle of a lot of screen time. Periodically look away, be aware of your blink rate and avoid that which is in the case of staring at a device for long stretches. Also which is the recommendation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, do not forget to pay attention to your blink which is very important for eye moisture during computer use.
Screen position matters too. Try not to sit where your eyes have to stay unusually wide open for long periods. Adjust the display until it feels comfortable to look at, and cut down on unnecessary glare.
If you have an air conditioner or fan aimed at your face, change the direction. A humidifier is a good option in very dry indoor settings. For wind and dust which aggravate symptoms while you are out, sunglasses do well.
If you have an air conditioner or fan aimed at your face, change the direction. A humidifier is a good option in very dry indoor settings. For wind and dust which aggravate symptoms while you are out, sunglasses do well.
Good every day Eye care also means to pay attention to recurring symptoms which in turn should not be a cause to depend solely on over the counter drops.
What Is the Right Dry Eye Treatment?
The right dry eye treatment depends on what is causing the dryness. Mild cases may improve with lubricating eye drops or changes in daily habits. Some people, though, need care aimed at inflamed eyelids, excessive tear evaporation, or another underlying problem. According to the National Eye Institute, treatment can involve eye drops and lifestyle changes, with additional medical approaches considered based on the individual case.
Because various types of artificial tears and medicated eye drops have different uses, for persistent or long term symptoms see an Eye specialist.
Effective dry eye treatment is not a matter of just adding moisture. We must identify if the issue is in fact low tear production, rapid evaporation, eyelid gland dysfunction, related to medication or an associated health condition which in turn will guide more precise treatment.
At Vasan Eye care we see to it that patients which experience persistent eye discomfort come in for a professional evaluation which in turn will determine the cause of their issue and also we discuss with them what are the best Eye treatments options for them.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor?
Do at once to see a specialist if your dry eyes are a recurring issue or they are to a point which interferes with your daily activities
Consult an Eye doctor if dryness persists after trying basic lifestyle changes, if you are very much dependent on eye drops, or if contact lenses have become a problem.
Eye pain, redness which is severe, light sensitivity which is a great issue or a vision change which is out of the ordinary should see a doctor right away instead of thinking it is just dryness.
Conclusion
The issue of dry eyes and eye discomfort is a growing issue as we spend more time in front of screens and in controlled indoor settings. But it is also important to note that dry eyes is an issue which has many causes beyond just screen time.
Tear film issues may also be brought on by age, contact lens use, certain medicines, eye lid issues and health issues. Actions like taking screen breaks, conscious blink breaks, steering clear of direct air flow and practicing healthy contact lens care may help reduce day to day irritation.
When issues persist appropriate dry eye treatment starts with identifying the cause. A prompt eye exam may put an end to discomfort, preserve vision and in the long term protect eye health also which at the same time rules out that another eye condition is not in fact what is being treated as simple dryness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why am I suddenly getting dry eyes?
Sudden cases of dry eyes may be put down to extended screen time, environmental changes, contact lens use, certain medicines or what is happening to the tear film. Also because many eye conditions present with similar symptoms, persistent or unexplained dryness should be evaluated by an eye care professional.
2. Can too much screen time cause dry eyes?
Prolonged time spent on screens which in turn causes dryness as we tend to blink less while focused on digital products. Less or not enough blink results in faster tear evaporation. Taking breaks frequently and a conscious effort to blink may help in reducing screen related discomfort.
3. Can dry eye syndrome be cured permanently?
That depends on the cause. In some temporary cases improvement is seen when the trigger is removed, in chronic dry eye syndrome we may require ongoing management. We aim at improving tear film stability, relieving symptoms and to what extent possible address the contributing factors.
4. What is the best dry eye treatment?
There is no single best dry eye treatment for everyone. We use lubricating drops, lifestyle changes or therapies that target the root issue. An eye exam will determine which is the right approach instead of trying repeated self medication.
5. When should I worry about dry eyes?
Seek professional care when symptoms persist or return frequently which in turn interfere with activities like reading, driving, work or wearing contact lenses. Prompt assessment is especially important when eye discomfort is reported along with significant pain, very red eyes, light sensitivity or a sudden change in vision.